In conjunction with October being Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, your next best friend could be a shelter dog. There are over 10 million animals that go into shelters each year; for Washington County there are between 1,000 to 1,200 taken to the Humane Society of Washington County. With this many animals being taken to local shelters, we as a community need to help control the pet population by having our pets spayed or neutered as this would drastically help reduce the number of animals taken in to the shelter. With money being tight right now, it is hard to come up with an extra $100 to pay for a spay or neuter. One of the perks of adopting from the shelter is the spay and neuter cost is included with the adoption fee, along with a rabies vaccination. At the Washington County Shelter the adoption fee for a dog is $55. For only $55 your new pet will be spayed or neutered, receive a rabies vaccination and mircochipped for a safe return home, if lost. Think of this as money going to a charity, because, in fact, the money for adoptions goes into providing more animals a chance at a better life. Each animal that comes to the shelter is provided food, water and place to rest until that special someone comes to take them home.
Talking with several adopters, they each have the same feelings of adopting from a shelter; they would never hesitate in adopting again. If you stop to think of the the possible life the dogs have had prior to being rescued or taken to the shelter, these dogs have had to find their own food, shelter and have had little or no contact with people. This being said, when a shelter dog becomes part of your family they are loyal and thankful to you for rescuing them.

The following are upcoming events at Salem Public Library for the month of October:Teen book swap - Teens take advantage of this great way to get something new to read without spending any of your hard earned summer money. Drop off your clean, gently used books at the Salem Public Library, or at Salem Middle or High School Libraries anytime between Sept. 1 and Oct. 14. For each book you drop off you will receive one coupon to be used at the book swap on Friday, October 16 or Saturday, October 17 from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. at the Salem Public Library. Where the WILD Things Are -
Let the will Rumpus begin! For kids in Grades K - 5. October 8, at 4:30 p.m. Join Max and the WILD things for lots of fun acitvities and games at the Salem Public Library. Pre-registration is required. Yu-Gi-Oh -
For Grades 2 - 12 (Players 8 and under must have a parent present.) Tuesday, October 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. Bring your cards and play THIS IS NOT A TOURNAMENT. Stay and Play as long as you would like. Trading is at your own risk. Rules posted and must be followed. No registration required for this program. Girls Only Chocolate Party -
For teen girls in grades 6 - 12 Thursday, October 22, at 4:30 p.m. Come join us at the library for a sweet time! Make a chocolately creation to take home and enjoy a chocolately treat. Registration is required and you must register before October 20. No late registrations will be taken. Family Night -
Bring the whole family and enjoy some time together this fall. Play games, read together or just relax. October 22 will be Craft Night. Family 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the program room. Pre-registration required for this Family Night.

Last Updated on Thursday, 08 October 2009 07:44

County Council projects budget surplus by June, 2010

Wednesday, 30 September 2009 00:00

The Washington County Council held a public hearing on the proposed county budget for 2010 on Wednesday evening, September 22; all members were present.
Once it was determined that no one was present at the hearing who wished to offer public comment or ask questions about the proposed budget, the Council elected to discuss issues still unresolved in the proposal. The final 2010 county budget will not be a approved by the Council until the latter part of October at which time it will be forwarded to the Indiana Department of Local Government finance for state approval.
During the financial discussions, Council President Mark Manship asked County Auditor Sarah Bachman and Deputy County Auditor Michele Fleenor for a summary of projected income and expenses for the county through June of 2010. After working with the numbers, many of which were, admittedly, estimates based on previous years, it was determined that the county should have funds of at least $575K over and above all anticipated expenses by mid-2010
Several Council members noted that there are still some unanswered questions about the final cost of the truck bypass to the east of Salem and what, if any, money the county will be expected to pay as a result of the hospital bankruptcy and Medicare overpayment. Both of those issues have price tags that could eat up the potential surplus and even leave the county with a negative balance.

Championships will be on the line when stock cars return to Salem on October 3

Written by Administrator

Wednesday, 30 September 2009 00:00

Fall foliage, stock cars and the high banks of Salem Speedway. That historic combination continues on Saturday, October 3, as the Lucas Oil Super Stocks and Dave & Deb’s Winner’s Circle Street Stocks converge on the super-fast, half-mile oval for the 19th annual Six Sigma Championship Night.
Championship Night marks the final points race of the season for both Salem Speedway divisions.
“It’s certainly an important night of racing,” said Salem Speedway general manager Richard Deaton. Championships and final season standings are on the line for both the Super Stock and Street Stock competitors.”

Over the past two years, local optometrist, Dr. Jack Hedrick has become very familiar with the inside of Washington County Memorial Hospital. He’s undergone testing and been treated for several different ailments including a stroke, atrial fibrillation, cervical spine problems and hernia repair.
“I’ve always had a physician in Salem,” said Dr. Hedrick. “I choose to stay in Salem because of the convenience. Dr. Morgan is my doctor and I’ve always had outstanding care from everyone who has treated me at the hospital, from the nurses, aides, lab and X-ray technicians to anyone else who has helped with my care, I’ve always had a positive experience.”
Dr. Hedrick’s medical visits began two years ago when Dr. Khan began treating him with a series of epidural blocks for his neck. “I had gone to a pain management physician in New Albany and had blocks previously, but they didn’t work. It was a very bad experience, so I was skeptical about trying again. Luckily, I could tell a huge difference after the first treatment. I was elated; he really did a great job.”